Today churches around the world celebrate the start of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. We give thanks for the great diversity and vibrancy of Christian communities and traditions, in our own country and across the globe. Yet so often we restrict ourselves to our own customs and preferences, and allow divisions and hostility to develop with other branches of our Church family. This year, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity focuses on St Paul’s words to the Corinthians, when they were beset by division, some affiliating themselves to one group, some to another: ‘Is Christ divided?’ Loving Lord, help us to grow together in love and unity, that we may truly become One Church, with One faith, and One Lord.
“Most loving and gracious God, we give thanks for the gifts of your grace that we experience in our own tradition and in the traditions of other churches. By the grace of your Holy Spirit, may our gratitude continue to grow as we encounter one another and experience your gift of unity in new ways. This we pray through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.” Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
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